Artist Illustrates How Painful Grief Can Feel After Losing Her Father

"It does change shape and it becomes something you can hold rather than something that overwhelms you."

In the past, we've featured writer and illustrator Mari Andrew's work because it's incredibly relatable. From trusting Google to help with all the adulting questions you have, to feeling joy wash over you when plans get canceled, to feeling anxiety when you see someone you kind of know from a distance, Andrew totally gets the triumphs and struggles of day-to-day life.

But she also understands the difficulty of dealing with grief. After her father died two years ago, she channeled some of her grief into her artwork to help herself heal and let others know that they're not alone.

"My dad died two years ago today," Andrew wrote on one such illustration on Instagram. "It's different for everyone, but my personal experience is that grief doesn't ever go away, but it does change shape and it becomes something you can hold rather than something that overwhelms you — a part of you, rather than a burden."

Everyone does grieve differently and there's certainly no wrong way to cope. However, there are several things that often help people come to terms with the loss of a loved one and begin to heal. One such practice is something Andrew often depicts in her artwork: self-care. Taking the time to check in with yourself and giving yourself what you need can help bring some comfort.